Overview:
Airlift started in 2019 as a mass transit startup aiming to provide affordable, efficient, and tech-driven bus services in major cities of Pakistan, primarily Karachi. The idea was to solve the daily commuting challenges faced by millions through app-based booking and smart route management.
Pivot to Grocery Delivery:
However, with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Airlift quickly adapted its business model. Due to lockdowns and restrictions, demand for public transport plummeted, and Airlift pivoted towards the online grocery delivery market — a sector that saw explosive growth amid the pandemic.
Growth and Funding:
Airlift’s grocery delivery service gained massive popularity, providing fast, reliable, and affordable deliveries in cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. The startup leveraged technology to streamline supply chains and ensure timely deliveries, standing out in a competitive market.
The company attracted significant investment, raising over $85 million in multiple funding rounds from top international venture capital firms, including First Round Capital and GGV Capital. This investment enabled Airlift to expand its operations rapidly, improve technology, and scale its delivery network.
Impact:
- Airlift’s success has helped digitize grocery shopping for thousands of Pakistanis, especially during lockdowns.
- It has created hundreds of jobs in logistics, tech, and operations.
- The startup is considered a trailblazer, inspiring a wave of other tech-driven companies in Pakistan’s growing startup ecosystem.
Future Plans:
Airlift aims to further expand its service offerings and geographic reach, exploring other verticals like food delivery and quick commerce. It continues to focus on innovation to meet the evolving needs of Pakistan’s consumers.